Jul 02, 2025
Spring Japan Flight’s Terrifying 26,000-Foot Plunge
For 191 passengers and crew, a Spring Airlines Japan flight (JL8696/IJ004) from Shanghai to Tokyo started as a typical trip
The crew was notified of a serious issue with the pressurisation system approximately an hour after takeoff through a cabin pressure alert
The Boeing 737-800 dropped from 36,000 to 10,000 feet in less than ten minutes, plunging nearly 26,000 feet
The oxygen masks fell on their own. A loud boom was heard by the passengers, and flight attendants quickly yelled for them to put on their masks
Many travellers were afraid for their lives. Some thought they might not live, so they shared personal information and wrote goodbye notes to loved ones
After deciding to divert the flight to Kansai International Airport in Osaka due to an emergency, the pilots made a safe landing
While none of the 191 passengers were physically hurt, the emotional toll was high. Passengers talked about their shock and lingering fear
Before disembarking, passengers were held aboard for more than an hour. Investigators began looking into the failure of the pressurisation system
Each traveler was compensated with 15,000 yen and provided with lodging. The incident has brought Boeing 737 safety standards under renewed scrutiny
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